Chart patterns are specific price formations on a chart that help predict future price movements. They reflect market psychology and the battle between buyers and sellers.

Reversal Patterns

PatternSignalReliability
Head & ShouldersBearish reversalHigh
Inverse H&SBullish reversalHigh
Double TopBearish reversalGood
Double BottomBullish reversalGood
Rising WedgeBearishModerate
Falling WedgeBullishModerate

Continuation Patterns

PatternSignalReliability
Bull FlagBullish continuationGood
Bear FlagBearish continuationGood
TriangleBreakout directionModerate
PennantContinuationModerate
RectangleContinuationModerate

Trading Patterns

  1. Identify the pattern on the chart
  2. Wait for breakout confirmation
  3. Enter on breakout with volume
  4. Stop loss below/above pattern boundary
  5. Target = pattern height projected from breakout

Key Points

  • Patterns need confirmation before trading
  • Higher timeframes = more reliable patterns
  • Combine with volume and indicators
  • No pattern works 100% of the time